Delight in the medieval character of Taormina while strolling its atmospheric streets and admiring landmarks such the Greek theater from the 2nd century. After departing from the pier, you will have a short panoramic tour of Messina. Continuing along the coast to the south, you will approach Taormina, an ancient city that rises almost perpendicularly from the sea. It’s a beautiful setting with an alluring medieval character, as you will discover while navigating its narrow, cobbled streets. As French author Guy de Maupassant wrote of his stay in 1883, “Were a man to pass a single day in Sicily and ask, ‘What must one see?’ I would answer him without hesitation, Taormina.” Among the highlights are the Arabian-influenced Palazzo Corvaja and the ruins of a 2nd-century Greek theater. It sits on a seaside hilltop with a view of Mount Etna that is so inspiring that it can detract from the entertainers that still perform there in the summer. After visiting, you will enjoy free time to wander about the areas that interest you the most. You might take in the views from the fragrant public garden or shop along boutique-lined Corso Umberto. The most popular merchandise includes designer fashions, jewelry and colorful ceramic pine cones, a Sicilian symbol of hospitality.

Visit Cefalu, a quaint fishing village where little has changed through the centuries, preserving its typical Sicilian charm and the atmosphere of a traditional fishing port. Syracusians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Normans have left their traces here. It’s one of the most visited destinations in Sicily and during summer months, the tourist population outnumbers the locals. Though little is known of its origins, the name "Cefalu" may date back from the Greek "Kephaloidion," a word referring to the rock overlooking the town. Your guide will share some of the legends with you. Drive through the main streets of Palermo to reach the highway.

As you travel to Cefalu, the verdant Sicilian countryside unfolds in front of you. Once in the village, visit the Gothic-Norman style Cathedral, founded in 1131 at the request of the Norman kings, and realized by Norman architects and Islamic craftsmen. Stop at the medieval wash house and imagine cool running water and the voices of the women doing the laundry as you walk among these ancient archways. You’ll stop for a taste of some Sicilian specialties at a local gourmet shop. Enjoy free time to take in your activity of choice. There are lots of good restaurants serving the freshest seafood and shops of all sorts around the cathedral and harbor.

Your city drive takes you through the main squares and sites of Messina. Stop at Cristo Re Church’s viewpoint. Continue your sightseeing along the north coast, with views of Ganzirri Lakes, Messina Strait and Capo Peloro.

Before returning to your ship, you’ll stop at Cathedral Square with its astronomical clock tower and have a chance to visit the cathedral and the treasure rooms. Here you can see Golden Manta, of Our Lady of the Letter, among other other historical and artistic works.

Start with a brief introductory drive through Messina on your way to enchanting Taormina, a town with medieval character and great charm. Its natural drama is enhanced by the bold backdrop of Mt. Etna. Your walking tour takes you down narrow lanes, passing the Palazzo Corvaia, en route to the impressive Greek Theater. Here you’ll have time to wander at Corso Umberto, with many narrow streets lined with shops. Headed for Mt. Etna, the scenic road winds around the mountain, passing picturesque towns. Continue to Cratere Silvestri, situated over 6,000 feet above sea level. From this vantage point you’ll have stunning views of the Gulf of Catania and surrounding areas. But of course, the major attraction is the crater and the remnants of the awe-inspiring streams of lava. Enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

This tour is an introduction to Sicily’s capital and its attractions combined with a visit to Monreale and its cathedral, said to be one of the most outstanding Norman structures in the world. A panoramic drive through the city of Palermo brings you to the historical center to visit the Doumo (cathedral), with a long and complex history. It was built with the intention to surpass the cathedral of nearby Monreale; although for most visitors, Monreale’s Duomo remains the winner, but still well worth a visit. Its construction began in the 12th century, but has been restored and modified many times through the centuries, giving the structure a mix of styles. The 15th century south porch of Catalan style, with its fine carved wooden doors, is one of its most interesting features. Inside, you’ll find the tombs of many of Sicily’s kings and other members of the royal families.

A drive of about six miles brings you to Monreale, and a ten minute uphill walk to its cathedral. It’s a classic blend of Norman art with Arabic, northern, classic and Byzantine elements. Looking at its exterior you’ll find that it’s pleasant enough, but the magnificent splendor of this temple is found inside. Over 68,000 square feet of rich golden mosaics cover its interior, second only to Hagia Sofia’s in size, but much better preserved. They depict biblical events, with a huge figure of Christ crowning the apse. After visiting the cathedral, enjoy some free time to explore the old town of Monreale on your own.

Spend a full and delightful day exploring two medieval villages on craggy hills overlooking the sea, each setting with its own personality.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive south to Taormina, an ancient city that rises almost perpendicularly from the sea. It’s a beautiful setting with an alluring medieval character, as you will discover while strolling its narrow, cobblestone streets.

Among the highlights are the Arabian-influenced Palazzo Corvaja and the ruins of a 2nd-century Greek theater. It sits on a seaside hilltop with a view of Mount Etna that is so inspiring that it can detract from the entertainers that still perform there in the summer.

After visiting, you will enjoy free time to explore on your own, taking in the views from the fragrant public garden or shopping along boutique-lined Corso Umberto. The most popular merchandise includes designer fashions, jewelry and colorful ceramic pine cones, a Sicilian symbol of hospitality.

A bit farther inland and above Taormina, you will find the village of Castelmola, which arguably boasts even better views. Although first fortified in the 9th century, Castelmola was repeatedly attacked and the ruins of the castle that remain are from the 16th century.

Like Taormina, Castelmola is wonderfully atmospheric with cobblestone streets and lovely squares flanked by small shops. Still, it’s the breathtaking views that will linger long in your memory. Before returning to the pier, you will enjoy a traditional Sicilian lunch and perhaps a glass of almond-flavored wine, the local specialty.

One of Sicily’s must-see sites is undoubtedly the Valley of the Temples, along the coastal road on the outskirts of Agrigento. In this impressive archaeological park you find eight well preserved Greek temples, and other remains, built between 510 BC and 430 BC; very much worth the nearly 2 1/2 hour drive. As you approach the site, impressive, ancient ruins perched on the ridge, unfold as one of the most outstanding monuments of Greek art and culture. Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., it was one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean. Walk the ancient paths surrounded by olive trees. Visit the Temple of Jupiter (Zeus), which if completed, would have been one of the largest in the ancient world.

From the Tempio dei Dioscuri, only four of its columns stand today. Nearby you’ll find a sacred area dedicated to Demeter and Persephone – the underground gods – as well as two sacrificial altars. Possibly the oldest of all, the Temple of Hercules was built in the ancient Doric style. Eight of its columns have been restored. The Temple of Concord is the largest, most majestic and best-preserved of the Doric temples in Sicily. It has a peristyle of 34 tufa limestone columns, although its’ original stucco facing has disappeared. And last but not least, the impressive Tempio di Hera Lacinia (dedicated to Juno, or her Greek equivalent, Hera) with its partially-preserved colonnade. Its elevation offers an impressive view of the valley.

Nowhere does the antiquity and scenic splendor of Sicily come to life as in Taormina, whose spectacular location overlooks the Ionian Sea and has attracted visitors for more than 20 centuries. Here, bougainvillea is splashed about as if by a painter’s brush and dusty olive groves shimmer in the midday sun. Enjoy an orientation drive of Messina before arriving in Taormina, where you’ll start your walking tour. You’ll walk through the town to the impressive Greek Theater while your guide points out many other interesting sites. Enjoy some free time to wander the shops around Corso Umberto.

Continue towards the slopes of Mt. Etna along the scenic winding road to visit a local vineyard. Here, you’ll visit the wine cellars in the company of an expert and best of all, enjoy an assortment of local specialties and of course the local wines.

Sicilian wines are famous and today you’ll visit a winery honoring a century and a half of wine making tradition. Among Sicilian hills, experience and attention for the environment give life to elegant wines with distinct personalities. Your tour begins with a pleasant drive through the Sicilian country with beautiful landscapes.

Arriving at the farm, you’ll learn its interesting history and the process of wine making from vine to bottle. At the end of the tour, you’ll taste some of its product accompanied by a small snack. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to browse in the gift shop.

Enjoy free time in medieval Taormina, and then see the aftermath of Mount Etna’s eruptions by stopping at a hardened lava flow and sampling wines grown in volcanic soil.

After departing from the pier, you will drive through the center of Messina, which will offer a brief but enlightening introduction to this historical city on the northernmost point of Sicily’s Ionian coast. To the south lies the medieval village of Taormina, where you will enjoy free time to explore its narrow, cobblestone streets.

History buffs might visit the Arabian-influenced Palazzo Corvaja or the ruins of the 2nd-century Greek theater. It sits on a seaside hilltop with a view of Mount Etna that is so inspiring that it can detract from the entertainers that still perform there. Or you may prefer to shop for designer fashions and exquisite jewelry along boutique-lined Corso Umberto.

Rejoining your coach, you’ll travel into the countryside and before long, come upon a hardened wall of lava, the result of Mount Etna’s violent eruption in 1992. The lava came dangerously close to several villages, as you will see when pausing for photos.

While lava can be devastating, on the positive side, it contains nutrients that enrich the soil and lend a distinct flavor to the grapes grown in it, as you will discover at an estate wine tasting. You will sample several Etna-certified Sicilian wines that may include a classic red made from local nerello mascalese grapes. Then after browsing the gift shop, you will return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Get a taste of seaside Mondello and browse a centuries-old market where many of the fresh ingredients found in your lunch will be on display. Sun-splashed Mondello, a northern district of Palermo, is known for its lengthy beach but it is also home to a curious attraction – a late 19th-century Chinese palace complete with pagoda roofs. After viewing the exterior of this unexpected landmark, you will browse La Vucciria, an ancient open-air market where every imaginable type of locally sourced food is for sale. Crates of produce, a huge variety pasta, piles of squid and swordfish steaks; it’s all there. With visions of these delicacies still fresh in your mind, you will settle in at a nearby restaurant for a traditional Sicilian lunch. Although the menu changes seasonally, it will likely include the quintessential dish caponata, a pungent sort of ratatouille with eggplant as the main ingredient.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold a rather out-of-place Chinese palace in Mondello, a district north of Palermo.
• Browse the seemingly endless stands in the centuries-old open-air market La Vucciria.
• Enjoy a Sicilian lunch made with locally sourced ingredients, perhaps from La Vucciria.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

After a short sightseeing tour of Messina’s Piazza Duomo, you’ll continue to Savoca, a village where scenic beauty and historical,artistic heritage make it one of the most attractive, although less-known places in the area. At the entrance to the village you’ll make a short stop at ‘Bar Vitelli’, which houses a collection of local artisans’ tools and photographs taken when Francis Ford Coppola shot some scenes for the movie 'The Godfather'.

Then start a slow walk along the village’s main street which climbs up the hill, featuring several churches dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Along your walk you’ll also see ruins of a Norman castle and magnificent views. Continue to Forza d’Agro, a charming little village overlooking the Arab-Norman Castle of Capo Sant'Alessio and the coastline towards Messina. In 1990, Al Pacino and Sophia Coppola came here when they filmed some scenes for the movie 'The Godfather III'. From the main square, you’ll walk up a lane that leads to the Gothic-Catalan portal in front of the Church of San Agostino and you’ll also see the Baroque Mother Church before driving back to the pier.